Darussafaka taps Ernak for bench

Darussafaka Tekfen Istanbul has called on Selcuk Ernak to take over as head coach and try to lift the team from last place in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague. Ernak, 48, arrives from fellow Turkish side Sakarya Buyuksehir Belediyesir, whom he had led to the country's second-division title and promotion in the 2016-17 season. He had previously coached in the Turkish League with Bandirma Kirmizi. He was an assistant and head coach for Banvit Bandirma between 2006 and 2009, and again from 2014 to 2016. With Bandirma, he compiled a 12-12 record in the 7DAYS EuroCup between 2014 and 2016. His 2014-15 squad reached the EuroCup Semifinals before losing to eventual champion Khimki Moscow Region. Ernak has also been an assistant coach on the Chinese national team. Darussafaka released Ahmet Caki after the team fell to 1-10 in the EuroLeague with a 71-73 home loss to Maccabi FOX Tel Aviv in Round 11.